How design can improve the effectiveness of internal communications

Have you ever worked for a company (or perhaps you are at the moment) where internal communications, such as notes and memos etc. sent around the offices looked…well…a bit dull really? Were they printed on plain white paper, with standard fonts, and perhaps not a logo or a hint of colour in sight? If yes, how did it make you or your colleagues feel?

A little reflection time may be needed for that last question.

The type of thoughts that may spring to mind could be along the lines of: ‘Doesn’t give the company a professional image’… ’Feels unimportant’… ’Makes the staff feel unimportant’… ’No cohesion’… ’People say they are too busy to bother… ’It doesn’t feel like we all belong to the same company’… ’Feels like nobody cares enough’.

It doesn’t matter whether it was a few years ago, or today, as humans we all want to feel part of the ‘team’, and that the team we are in is the best. It motivates and inspires us to work hard and do well.

Knowing our company’s mission, values and ethos help us to feel included in the bigger picture and goals of the company. We all want to be on the same boat, all rowing in the right direction.

So, we can make a start by ensuring all of our communications, external and internal, exude professionalism.

Develop a consistent design, tone and focus across all your internal communications, whether they are paper-based, or on your internal intranet. Embed your brand identity so that it is seen everywhere, every day, in your workplace. Also, don’t forget to include this consistent design across the interior landscaping of your buildings, such as wall displays and signage.

When onboarding new employees, educate them in your branding message; this is a great way to make them feel connected to the company straight away, and it is a discipline that will stay with them, and they will pass it on to others.

It’s worth asking a professional for advice when it comes to helping with your branding identity, rather than trying to save money by doing it yourself, as it may well turn out to be a false economy in the end.

It’s like anything really – if you want a professional ‘look’, you need a professional to do it.

Ensure everyone in your company feels inspired; give them a sense of belonging and pride.